Isn't the term ma'am usually for middle age and older people?

Suddenly two days ago several service people and a boy passing me called me "ma'am" and usually they call me Miss or don't say any title? I looked in the mirror and had wide eyes, and no wrinkles but I wasnt feeling too good that day and felt tired and horrible. Getting over a cold and my monthly... show more Suddenly two days ago several service people and a boy passing me called me "ma'am" and usually they call me Miss or don't say any title? I looked in the mirror and had wide eyes, and no wrinkles but I wasnt feeling too good that day and felt tired and horrible. Getting over a cold and my monthly coming on, I know that day I just wanted to sleep but I went out to exchange Christmas gift and a couple things. And was ma'amed out of my mind

Update: I live in Los Angeles and one was a older African American lady who waited on me in a store, She called me ma'am like 10 times during the transaction and even a middle aged lady in back of me said low "ma'am" like sure, wth

Update 2: like even the middle aged woman in back of me thought it was funny

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Best Answer: Ma'am is just a respectful term used when dressing a woman, even if that woman is young. Although some people may insist you not call them that because it makes them feel old. It all depends on you.

In the South, we often use ma'am to distinguish a lady. It doesn't mean you're old, it just means you're an adult woman, and we don't know if you're a Miss or Missus. If you're underage, you might hear Miss more, as it's unlikely a young lady would be married if she doesn't appear to be at least 18 years old.

The term "Ma'am" is a respectful way of addressing any adult woman of any age whose name you do not know. It does not, in the least, imply a person's age. It's the same thing as addressing a grown man as "Sir".

The term "Miss" is very rarely used when addressing a grown woman. It is used when addressing a child or a teenager.